Greetings from Sarah Sundin from still-sunny California. Today I have the honor of interviewing a gracious lady with a gorgeous name—Golden Keyes Parsons. Golden is a sought-after speaker and the author of numerous novels and novellas.
Golden, how did you get into writing?
I grew up in a family of newspaper editors and owners so grew up writing. I had an article published here and there, but I never sought to get a book published until I started speaking professionally in 1996.
How many books do you have published? What are a few of your latest titles?
I have four novels published and two novellas. The third novella comes out in October.
My last series is “Hidden Faces: Portraits of Nameless Women in the Gospels.” Book #1 is “Trapped! The Adulterous Woman.” Book #2 is “Alone, The Woman At The Well.” Book #3 is “Broken, The Woman Who Anointed Jesus’s Feet.”
How did you get your first book contract?
My agent procured a four-book contract from Thomas Nelson after I signed with her in April. My first series, Darkness to Light, is a series set in 17th-century France and based on my family genealogy.
What has helped you promote your books the most?
Honestly, the promotion that the publisher did for my first series in securing reviews in exchange for free books. I really don’t feel much of what I’ve done myself has been very successful, such as book signings, social media, etc.
What mistakes or wrong assumptions did you make with the marketing of your first book? Did those mistakes cause you to change?
I really don’t know how to answer this. I have been surprised at how little publishers are able to do for their authors. I know that it’s a matter of money, but it seems to me it would be to their interest to do more promotion. I was very unprepared to be thrown into the middle of the professional world of marketing and publicity. Can you tell I really don’t like it? J
Did you see God open any doors you never expected in the promotion of your books?
Several speaking opportunities have come about as a result of meeting different individuals at book signings.
Now that you have been writing a while, what do you find works best for you in promoting your work and why?
Being associated with an organization like CAN where authors can pool their information and suggestions in the marketing arena. However I must say that I really haven’t been able to pinpoint anything directly that seemed to boost sales. I think that must be the nature of the beast though. It’s difficult to pinpoint anything directly.
What are your top tips for writers with their first book contract?
1) Meet your deadlines on time by setting a daily word count goal and sticking to it—whether you feel “inspired” or not.
2) Take your editor’s suggestions graciously and make the changes they suggest, but don’t allow her to change your voice.
3) Take your reviews with a grain of salt—both the good ones and the bad ones!
4) And keep writing. Write daily. God will honor your commitment to your craft and the calling He has on your life.
Thank you so much for sharing with us, Golden! Most of us struggle with publicity and marketing, so you’re not alone.
To learn more about Golden, please visit Golden’s website.
Writing for Him,
Sarah Sundin
